FRIAS Research Project

Investigations of the behaviour of dynamical networks using a direct as well as an inverse approach

Complex systems consist of many interacting components, characterised by the presence of emergent behaviour, and whose dynamics are ubiquitous in the life sciences. The applications of fundamental concepts from the theory of nonlinear complex dynamical systems are not only central for understanding cell biology oriented systems biology but it is also essential for the understanding of a range of problems from neurosciences to environmental systems. First principle modelling, inference, as well as control of such complex systems have become increasingly important. Networks of interacting nodes, each with their own dynamics, are one of the main mathematical tools for the description of complex systems. Depending on the particular application, the dynamical behaviour of the nodes can be anything from binary, such as in the Kauffman networks for the description of genetic or metabolic pathways, to deterministic or stochastic and even chaotic networks such as the ones in some neuronal models.

This project proposes to understand the behaviour of dynamical networks from two complementary directions, namely, by using a direct as well as an inverse approach.